Laura Stone

Navdeep Bains is officially running for Ontario Liberal leader. #onpoli

Alberta separation vote a ‘dangerous bluff,’ Carney warns theglobeandmail.com/politics/artic…

NEW: Premier Ford’s office confirms Long-Term Care Minister Natalia Kusendova will take over Mulroney’s role as Minister of Francophone Affairs starting June 5. #onpoli

NEW: Caroline Mulroney tells reporters she’s stepping away from elected politics for at least “the next few years.” Says she plans to go back to the private sector and wants to spend time with her family. Made the decision earlier this year. #onpoli

She appears to be holding back tears as she speaks. Says one of her daughters is with her today.

She also speaks to her opposition colleagues and says she'll miss all of them - "Well, most of you," she says to laughter. She also thanks the pages and security workers and others who work in the legislature, as well as the French community.

Caroline Mulroney is now in the chamber speaking on a point of order. She says she's saying goodbye, calls it one of the hardest decisions in her life. She thanks Premier Ford for his friendship and leadership. "I am so proud of all of the important work we've accomplished."

Doug Ford aimerait que la ministre des Soins de longue durée, Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, remplace Caroline Mulroney à titre de ministre des Affaires francophones. «C'est une personne formidable», dit Doug Ford, «Mais je dois d'abord parler à la ministre». #onpoli

At Queen's Park, all political parties give Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney a standing ovation as she prepares to leave her seat on June 5. Mulroney isn't present in the legislature today. #onpoli

Obligatory shovel pic:

Ford, who seems displeased with the questions today, said the number one comment he gets is - “Keep going, you’re doing great. Ignore the media. Ignore the radicals.” #onpoli

Premier Doug Ford, asked about Olivia Chow seeking reelection: “I really like the Mayor. I know exactly where she’s coming from, she knows exactly where I’m coming from.” Ford says he won’t endorse anyone. #onpoli

“No one’s more ticked off about the 200-grand,” Ford says, when asked by “@RichardCityNews if he or the party will repay the extra costs for the private jet sale. Doesn’t answer directly. But he speaks about saving “billions” for taxpayers. #onpoli

Ford government goes to court to fight FOI release of blue licence plate documents theglobeandmail.com/canada/toronto…

Premier Ford starts his remarks acknowledging Caroline Mulroney’s announcement that she’ll be leaving cabinet and resigning as an MPP, says their families were very good friends and wishes her well. “I think the world of Caroline.” #onpoli

We’re at the groundbreaking for the new Ontario Science Centre this morning with Premier Ford and Minister Cho, expected to start shortly #onpoli

UPDATED: Caroline Mulroney to resign June 5 from Doug Ford’s cabinet and Ontario legislature #onpoli theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…

NEW: Premier Doug Ford says Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy will on an “interim basis” serve as Treasury Board President once Caroline Mulroney’s resignation takes effect on June 5. #onpoli

Yesterday, I informed Premier Ford of my decision to resign from Cabinet and from my seat in the Ontario Legislature, effective June 5. To Premier Ford, to the people of York-Simcoe, to Ontario’s Francophone community, to the York-Simcoe PC riding association, to my Caucus and Cabinet colleagues, to my constituency and ministerial teams, to the Ontario Public Service and my family – thank you.

EXCLUSIVE: Ontario Premier Doug Ford is losing his Treasury Board President. Caroline Mulroney will resign from Ford’s cabinet and the legislature, according to a letter obtained by the Globe — she says now is the time to “begin a new chapter” #onpoli theglobeandmail.com/canada/article…